The Royal School Armagh is celebrating an exceptional achievement following the success of Team Unstitched, who were crowned winners of the prestigious Sentinus Digital Futures Grand Final, held at Allstate NI Headquarters in Belfast.
The competition brought together some of the most innovative young technologists from schools across Northern Ireland, with pupils challenged to design, build and pitch a fully functioning mobile application aimed at solving a real-world problem.
As part of their prize, Team Unstitched have secured a highly coveted educational visit to New York City, where they will meet with major global technology firms including Google, Instagram and Facebook. During the visit, the pupils will also have the unique opportunity to present their app to industry leaders on an international stage.
The winning team – Victoria Majhi, Katelyn Willis, Olivia McAlister and Kirstie Purdy – impressed judges with their innovative mobile app, Unstitched, which allows users to scan clothing labels and access clear, user-friendly sustainability insights. Judges praised the team’s concept for its originality, ambition and commercial potential, alongside their polished pitch and strong understanding of the real-world problem their technology aims to address.
The Royal School Armagh also secured the runner-up position through Team FitBod, whose mobile app is designed to support individuals with disabilities by providing adaptable and accessible fitness routines. Team members Sophie Jennett, Edie Ratcliffe, Charlotte Carson and Isla Quinn were commended for their thoughtful approach to inclusivity, strong technical execution and compelling presentation.
The Sentinus Digital Futures Grand Final featured highly competitive entries from schools across Northern Ireland, with each team presenting a digital prototype and accompanying pitch. The judging panel included Francesca Morelli, Product Manager at Bazaarvoice and Queen’s University Belfast alumna with extensive experience in digital product development; Gerry Byrne, Senior Technical Director at Allstate and a leader in software engineering and digital innovation; and Jeremy Biggerstaff, Founder and CEO of 918 Ventures, with a strong track record of supporting and investing in tech start-ups. Representatives from the technology sector, including leaders from Digital DNA and Allstate NI, described the standard of this year’s submissions as “exceptional”, with several teams receiving particular praise for creativity, entrepreneurship and social impact.
Headmaster of The Royal School Armagh, Mr Graham Montgomery, said: “I am delighted at this achievement and congratulate both teams on their technical knowledge, vision, creativity and capacity to pitch their ideas professionally. The concept behind each app demonstrates our pupils’ connectedness to real-world issues and their desire to improve lives. I want to particularly congratulate Victoria, Olivia, Katelyn and Kirstie on their amazing success. They have won the trip and the experience of a lifetime, and they deserve it.”
Teacher of Computer Science at the Royal School Armagh, Mr L. A. J. Forrest, said: “I could not be prouder of what both teams achieved. The level of commitment, technical skill and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the competition was remarkable. This competition demands creativity, resilience and teamwork, and our pupils rose to that challenge with maturity well beyond their years. Winning the grand final and securing the New York experience is an extraordinary accomplishment, but I am equally proud of the wider skills, confidence and ambition they have developed through the process.”
The Royal School Armagh extended thanks to Sentinus NI for delivering the programme, Allstate NI for hosting the grand final, and Simon Bailie, CEO of Digital DNA, for his continued support, leadership and inspiration throughout the competition.
The school also congratulated all participating schools whose entries contributed to a highly memorable and inspiring event for the Northern Ireland education and technology community.
